Coffee bean sampler packs are perfect for getting to try different blends without committing to a whole bag of beans. Many of us keep buying the same coffee because we know what to expect and don’t have to branch out. However, trying new varieties of coffee is a great way to expand your knowledge of the beverage and find new favourites. With the lower expense of trying a new coffee, the sampler packs allow you to explore to your heart’s content.
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know how to choose the best coffee sampler for you. In this blog post, we will go over key criteria for choosing the best sampler, followed by our picks for the best coffee samplers we believe you should try.
Look for variety and diversity
Artisan coffee is a speciality coffee roasted with care and attention to detail in small batches. It is typically made from high-quality beans that are sourced from specific regions. This type of coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years as people have become more interested in exploring different flavour profiles.
Diversity is undoubtedly the most important thing to look for when buying a sampler. By diversity, we mean that the coffee sampler includes a multitude of unique blends from various regions, roasters, and roast types. This allows you to explore the nuances of each coffee and find the ones that you enjoy the most. Another thing to consider is of course, the price point. Many artisan coffees can be quite expensive, so it is important to find a sampler that offers good value for money.
The region, roast and blend
There are many factors to consider when choosing coffee beans. Some people prefer a certain roast, while others focus on the origin of the beans. The country of origin can have a significant impact on the flavour of the coffee. For example, African beans tend to be more fruity, while Central and South American beans have more chocolate and nutty notes.
Similarly, different roasts will also produce coffee with distinct flavour profiles. The three most common roast types are light, medium, and dark. Light roasts are typically used for coffees with fruity or floral flavours, while dark roasts are often used for coffees with chocolate or nutty flavours. If you’re unsure of what to choose, we recommend starting with a light or medium roast and then trying different roast types to see what you prefer
Finally, coffee beans are often blended to create a unique flavour different from single-origin coffees. A blend is created by combining two or more types of beans, each with its own distinct flavour profile. The most common type of blend is an Arabic blend, which combines beans from different regions to create a well-rounded cup of coffee
When choosing a sampler, we recommend looking for one that includes coffees from different regions, roasted at different levels and blended using different methods. This will give you the opportunity to explore the many different flavour profiles that coffee has to offer.
Select local, sustainable, and fairtrade
When choosing a coffee sampler, we also recommend looking for options that are local and sustainable. Local coffee is typically fresher and has a more distinct flavour than beans that have been shipped long distances. It is also a great way to support your local community. As for sustainability, look for options that use environmentally friendly packaging and come from sustainable sources.
Traceability is important, so look for Fairtrade-certified brands, which in turn help support small-scale farmers and combat exploitative farming practices. In addition, you could try to buy coffee that is certified organic and free of pesticides. You can enjoy delicious coffee by making responsible choices while supporting the environment and farmers.
Grinding your coffee
Grinding your coffee beans fresh right before making your cup is a great way to get the most flavour out of your coffee. When you grind the beans, you release all the oils and aromas trapped inside. The only downside is that it can be a bit messy. To avoid making a mess, we recommend looking at our top picks for burr coffee grinders if you are in the market for obtaining one. These grinders will help to keep the grinds contained and make cleanup a breeze. Another option is to use a coffee grinder with a detachable catcher. This way, you can easily remove the grinds and dispose of them.
Our Recommendation of 6 Best Coffee Samplers
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in a coffee sampler let’s take a look at some of our top picks
Aromas Coffee Roasters: “Best Of” Sample Pack
This sampler from Aromas Coffee Roasters is a great option for those looking to explore different coffees. You get four different blends and can select from 250 or 500 gms packets. The set also comes with tasting notes to help you identify the different flavours.
Key Features
- Four different samples
- You can select from 250 or 500 gms packets
- Free shipping within Australia
- Includes Chicago Dark, Black Label (house blend), Blue Mountain, Ethiopian Mocca
Link to buy | Price point: Starting at $48.00
Ignite Coffee Lovers Sample Pack
This Ignite Coffee Lovers Sample Pack is another great option for those looking to explore different coffees. You get three different speciality varieties to choose from. You can buy their coffee whole beans or already ground (150g per bag) or as Nespresso-compatible pods (7 compostable capsules per bag).
Includes the Mind (Complex & Intense Espresso Blend), Body (Creamy & Delicate Single Origin), and Soul (Silky & Balanced Organic Blend) varieties.
Key Features
- Three different samples
- Can be bought whole or ground or as pods
- Free shipping within Australia
- 10% of their net profits go to charity
Link to buy | Price point: $25.00
Knockrow Ridge Coffee Sample Pack
This Knockrow Ridge Coffee Sample Pack is a great option for those who want to try locally sourced beans from the Byron Bay Hinterland area and from the Atherton Tableland in Queensland. The distinct taste of Australian coffee produces a sweetness and has a medium body with both chocolate and nutty flavours.
Three 200-gram bags that are heat-sealed come with this purchase. The food grade, speciality coffee packaging has a one-way vent and re-sealer to help preserve the freshness of your coffee beans for longer. The samplers are available as whole beans or in fine (suitable for espresso machines), medium (suitable for stove-top or drip filter coffee machines), and course (suitable for plungers/ french-press) varieties.
Key Features
- Four different samples
- Each bag is 200 gms
- Local pickup is available from the Knockrow/ Byron Bay hinterland with prior notice
Link to buy | Price point: $40.00
Brownbag Coffee Sample Pack
This Brownbag Coffee Sample Pack is a great option for those who want to explore options before settling on that perfect blend. The company run their own cafe and knows exactly what customers prefer. In this coffee sampler back, you get four 200 gms coffee varieties. The beans are roasted in small batches and have been ethically sourced. The set also comes with a brewing guide for each blend, including brew temperatures, the correct ratio for espresso and their own personalised tips on milk texturing.
Key Features
- Four different samples
- A brewing guide
- Each bag is 200 gms
- First shipping is free within Australia
- For $5 more you can ask the beans to be ground as per your preference
Link to buy | Price point: $50.00
The All-Rounder Selection from Coffee Beans Delivered
This All-Rounder Selection from Coffee Beans Delivered is a great option for those who want to explore a bit of everything the company offers. You get four 250 gms bags, one each of Guatemalan Single Origin Coffee, Il Caramello Blend Coffee, Papua New Guinea Single Origin Coffee, and their Tall Dark & Handsome Blend Coffee.
Key Features
- Four different samples
- Each bag is 250 gms
- They also offer a coffee sampler subscription model
Link to buy | Price point $81.00
Roaster’s Choice Sample Pack from Roastville Coffee
This Roaster’s Choice Sample Pack from Roastville Coffee is a great option for those who want to get an idea of what the company has to offer. You get five different 100 gms bags, and depending on the week you order, the varieties will change. The company sources their beans from all over the world, so you’re guaranteed to get a good mix of flavours.
Key Features
- Five of their best coffee samples
- Each bag is 100 gms
- Available only as whole beans
- They also offer a coffee sampler subscription model, which will allow you to include more variety in your morning cuppa!
Link to buy | Price point $39-50
Final words
- Choose a sampler with a variety of blends. This will give you a chance to try several different flavours and find your favourites.
- Consider the roast level of the blends. If you prefer dark roasts, be sure to choose a sampler with mostly dark roasts, and vice versa.
- Make sure the sampler includes both caffeinated and decaffeinated blends. This way, you can enjoy coffee regardless of your caffeine tolerance.
- Choose a sampler with a variety of brewing methods. This will allow you to experiment with different brewing techniques and find your favourite way to prepare coffee.
- Consider the price point of the sampler. Make sure it is affordable so that you can enjoy it multiple times.
There are a lot of different coffee sampler packs available on the market, so it really depends on your personal preference as to which one you choose. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want to get out of your coffee-drinking experience. We hope you enjoyed our list of best coffee samplers and will try a few of them.
